SHAH ALAM, June 2 — An individual trying to block the relocation of the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Seafield had previously agreed to the move, Selangor executive councillor V. Ganabatirau explained today.

Dismissing the objection, he pointed out that M. Nagaraju, purportedly the leader of the group protesting to the relocation, was a signatory of the agreement along with current temple committee president K. Chellappa.

"According to a court consent in 2014, all parties, including Nagaraju and Chellapa, had signed to agree that the temple be relocated to Putra Heights after One City Development Sdn Bhd acquired the land.

"The developer has also deposited RM1.5 million into the accounts of its lawyers to be given to the temple for construction at the new plot of land,” he told a press conference.

However, Ganabatirau did not say if the state would take action against Nagaraju and his group for preventing the developer from proceeding or assist Chellappa in the relocation.

"I would like to stress here that the state government cares for the people and we have done our part,” he said when asked if the state would react to this incident.

Yesterday, a group reportedly staged a protest at the temple after learning that it will be demolished and relocated, although no such incident occurred.

Chellappa, who was also present at the press conference today, said he has been the temple’s president since 1993, and displayed the consent papers that endorsed him as such.

"We have agreed to abide by the court consent to relocate. We have no issues,” he said, without specifying when this will take place.